In December 2024, Bar-Ilan University’s leadership, faculty, International School staff, and broader community came together to bid a warm farewell to Ofer Dahan, the founding Executive Director of the university’s International School. Ofer’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication were the driving forces behind the school’s transformation into a vibrant hub for international students, researchers, and academic programs.
Ofer Dahan (back row, third from left) with the International School team at an Orientation Day event
The following tribute was delivered jointly by the International School’s departmental directors—Neta Moallem (Marketing and Recruitment), Merav Gilad (International Student Services and Affairs), Oz Nacker (Student Exchange), and Hadar Giat (Student Affairs and Well-being)—along with the school coordinator, Ora Fishman, on behalf of the entire team. It celebrates Ofer’s extraordinary contributions, innovative spirit, and lasting legacy as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his journey.
Honoring a Man of Vision
Dear Ofer
Today, we gather to mark the conclusion of your tenure over the past six and a half years as the Executive Director of Bar-Ilan University’s first International School and an active partner among its founders in its current format.
From the start of your role, you arrived with great energy, bringing with you a spirit of tireless action, initiative, and creativity, coupled with a love for the land and belief in its people.
In a short time, we succeeded in creating a paradigm shift on campus, and the international revolution began to take shape. From then on, every student, guest, or international researcher had a single point of contact to address all their needs—in English. Systems were made accessible in English, communications were sent bilingually, and the progress has not stopped there.
Ofer Dahan (middle with tie) surrounded by the International School team at his farewell event
Very quickly, we had to face the first (but not the last) challenge—the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic dictated a new reality, with closed skies that impacted international activities. With combined efforts, you found ways to think outside the box and address the many challenges, such as arranging isolation rooms for international students, providing support systems and food kits, assisting with vaccinations, enabling remote learning, and developing new hybrid programs, among other initiatives.
The second challenge arrived not long after, and since October 7 (2023), we have been grappling with the effects of war both domestically and internationally. For the first time, we encountered the rising tide of global antisemitism, and here too, you managed to turn lemons into lemonade. For the first time in Israel, in collaboration with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, we initiated undergraduate programs where the first year is taught in English and subsequent years in Hebrew. With determination, we tackled this mission and successfully launched four programs this year, with more to come.
“Turn your ear like a funnel and acquire a perceptive heart to listen.” (Tractate Chagigah 3b)
Your office door was always open—not just symbolically, but as a true reflection of your character: a manager open to listening, not out of obligation but because you genuinely wanted to understand and be involved. Each morning, you made it a point to greet us with a smile, inquire about our well-being as equals, and engage with every employee and student at eye level. Even when professional disagreements arose, as the walls of your office and meeting rooms can attest, you knew how to listen, allow every voice to be heard, and give us the space to act with trust and appreciation.
Ofer, over the years, you managed to build a professional team, a supportive and loving group that found the highest value not only in working together but also in deep friendship. Your leadership approach, which encouraged teamwork and initiative, strengthened this camaraderie. You supported it and, in every major event or mission of the school, we saw how this spirit united us and led to shared successes. We appreciate your support and your belief in the team’s ability to create, innovate, and manage.
International School team members celebrating Holi, the Indian festival of color, at an event organized by the team and the Indian students. L-R: Zvi Swisa, Neta Moallem, Tal Koor, Yael Toledano, Ofer Dahan (behind), Hadar Giat, and Merav Gilad
There is no doubt that the legacy you leave will continue to guide the International School for many years to come. You built not only academic success but also a warm, family-like, and visionary community. It is an honor to work with someone who is a Zionist through and through, whose dedication to the State of Israel and love for its inhabitants were reflected in every aspect of your work. We wish you much success in your new path—may it be filled with achievements, moments of joy, and plenty of quality time with your loving family and your new granddaughter, who brings so much happiness to your life.
We want to honor and thank you for your significant and profound contributions to the school, the university, and each of us personally.
With love and appreciation,
The International School Team
